Meet my friend...

"Halloween"??? Bryar was the brilliant child that named the newest addition to my sewn collection of animals. The name for this new addition is Halloween, go figure. The house is decorated for upcoming trick-or-treating fun. So, for the last week or so she has been hearing the word Halloween quite frequently. I think the name fits this somewhat monster like creature. However, I was leaning more towards Wilda. I guess my opinion doesn't matter when it comes to soft, cuddly cuteness. In a house with two toddlers I'm outnumbered!

hurry if you want one

OK, so if you've ever been in my studio/crafting space, you can tell right off the bat that I am a Kelly Rae Roberts fan. I have many of her art prints that my wonderful husband has given me as little tokens of love. Yes, he's a sweetie. So, back to my reason for the post. Well, today at 10:00 (PST), like 1:00 here for you local folks, Kelly Rae will be introducing a new line of originals in her Etsy shop. The last time she had a sale like this, she sold out in 15 minutes....aaakkkk! So, get ready, here's the link to her ETSY shop if you want to check out the goods! Oh, and these are all original prints...whooottttt :)

Halloween sweetheart

I just listed this little Halloween inspired sweetheart in my Etsy shop. This sugar sweet baby doll is dressed in her Halloween best for some trick-or-treating fun!

Custom orders are also available :) You can also find a link to my Etsy shop on my blog,

over to the left on my side bar!

Personalized pumpkins

This unique and absolutely stylish Halloween pail is sure to get a

smile from any ghost or gobblin!

I love the stylish monogram on the pail that gives it a personalized touch. This pail would be great for keeping your trick or treat goodies in to hand out to the crowds of spooky Halloween guest. Another great idea is to fill it with ice to keep beverages cold at Halloween parties and festivities. Grab yours HERE! Two sizes available, 2.5 quart and 5 quart.

Pumpkins, ghost & spiders...oh my!

These spooky little Halloween tags are sure to add some magical fun. Add them to candy filled trick-or-treat goodie bags, gift packages or use them as cute embellishments for scrap booking. You can find this unique holiday assortment HERE.
Be sure to place your order before they disappear...muhahahahah!

S.W.A.K sealed with a kiss

If you are a fan of machine embroidery and fun applique' designs, you've got to read on! My dear friend Kris over at SWAKembroidery.com has tons and tons of new designs available for instant download. I love the cute and silly pumpkins pictured above!

Her online shop is full of embroidery designs and ideas to get your creative mind thinking. If you've been searching for a perfect design to complete the look and feel of your project, look no further. You can find it all at SWAK! Thanks Kris for being such an awesome friend and for being full of creative energy, you're the best!

Pumpkin art

If you are like me, I am not good at carving a pumpkin. However, with the trendy new designs available for pumpkin decorating, I won't be left out of the decorating fun. Try this unique technique to make a fancy stenciled pumpkin that will last much longer than one that has been carved. Not to mention that a knife is not included in the materials/tools needed list for this fabulous design- YEAH!!!!

Check it out HERE.

Spice it up

Now, here's is a recipe that you can use to spice up the dessert table! Check out CountryHome's recipe for Pumpkin Spice Cake, yummy :)

I love the idea of the jack-o-lantern stencil to add a little fun!

Pumpkins O'plenty

With fall officially beginning on Tuesday, I decided that this week I would dedicate my blog post to the ever so famous pumpkin! The pumpkin to me is the most versatile and unique vegetable, along with it's other close family member, the gourd family. Each of these particular vegetables set the stage for fall decorating and warm and cozy recipe ideas like no other.

I was in love with this idea for a table setting from the minute I saw it. It's a festive and unique way to make each guest feel welcome to the dinner table. This would also be a fun idea to incorporate at a kids pumpkin painting party. Hmmmm, now there's an idea!

If you read my blog earlier this week, you might remember my post about Heather Bailey. If not, you can click HERE to catch up. I was so inspired by her podcast with Studio 5 that I had to make one of these adorable fabric flowers. Sweet Livy Lou is the recipient of this little creation, a precious little girl. Her mommy wanted something added to a plain cream t-shirt to jazz it up a bit. I thought that the fabric flower would do just that, and it did! Wow, the otherwise drab shirt came to life in a pop of color. I attached the flower onto a pin so that it could easily be removed for laundering or so that she could use it as an accessory piece with other clothing items. I'm hooked...more flowers please!!!!

What to wear?

The girls are both in preschool this year (1/2 days, 3 days a wk) but it seems as if getting ready for school is getting the best of me. With two little ones dancing around my feet, I find myself often grabbing their little hands and joining in the dance instead of keeping to my tight morning schedule. I know, whose the adult, right? Hmmmmmm, what to do? Well, I came across this cute little wooden cut out (minus the baseball cap - I'm thinking a cloche hat would look much better - LOL) for organizing a daily wardrobe. Now, this I can handle! Watch out Tommy, I'm getting ready to pull out your power tools! LOL Well, maybe not, but I bet my two precious girls could sweet talk their daddy into making them one of these, and that my friend will make more time for dancing!!!

Click HERE to see the how to instructions!

Want to create your own costume?

It's getting to be that time of year...fall! The first big event of the season will be here soon. What will your little one's dress up as this year? If Halloween costume shopping stresses you out, relax. This great Etsy link has got you covered. If you would like to give costume making a whirl, check out this link. There are tons of do it yourself kits that include materials and tools needed to make some of the cutest Halloween costumes. So, order one today and be ready for trick or treat way before the goblins are out!

Heather is a great name

How awesome is having the same name as someone you admire! Being a crafty person, I am drawn to other crafty people. However, there are those few people that I seem to share more common interest with, one of them being Heather Bailey. I was able to attend one of her classes at the Inspire conference a few months ago. After the class my friend Lisa Bacon and I joined her for a lunch date where we were able to talk to her one on one. She's real and full of fun, she's genuine and such an interesting person. If you are a Heather Bailey fan, you'll want to check out her interview with Studio 5. It's a great segment with Heather, showing off her patterns, fabric and even a "how to" tutorial for her fabric flower...so FUN!!!!

Daddy's (littlest) girl

There are some moments when you have to just stop and thank God for a crazy little girl who wont stay out of your closet, or your husbands closet - LOL

If she's not running around in my clothes and shoes, you can usually find her playing on my bed. This particular day, she wanted to dress just like her daddy. I don't blame her a bit, he's a great guy!

Thank God for grandparents, love'em!

I'm off to celebrate my children's wonderful blessing...grandparent's. Their preschool is having "Goodies for Grandparents" today. I think my two little lady bugs have the best of the BEST!!!!

(We will miss Nana today but we are looking forward to seeing her Saturday!)

Cast your vote!

Last week I took the girls to a local photographer to have a professional photo portrait made. Ronnie, owner of Pro Studio, has been shooting great pics for my family since I was in high school (way back in the days - LOL). Actually, I have a picture that he took of Tommy and I along side my Jeep Wrangler and best friend, Allie...a beautiful golden retriever. The photo was taken as part of my high school senior pictures. Yep, I married my high school sweetheart...aweeee!



Ronnie asked if he could place one of Bryar's photos in a baby photo contest for the Pregnancy Resource Center for Henry County, I agreed and she's in! The contest winner is based on the number of votes that your child receives. The winner will receive a $1,000.00 savings bond to be used for educational purposes.



So, are you ready to vote??? If so, click HERE, Bryar's ID # 20810-0018. Thank you for your vote!

Yum!

If you are looking for a delicious recipe to make this weekend, look HERE! I could eat "green" at every meal. I love all kinds of salad, YUM!

Unfortunately, I have a sweet tooth that requires all greens (and anything wholesome) to be washed down with something sweet - LOL

Hmmm....cupcakes anyone?

bubble gum, bubble gum in a dish...

This past weekend we celebrated Bryar's 2nd birthday. We had a fun filled family weekend with lots of laughs and good times. I HUGE thank you to all of my family who took time out of their busy schedule to travel from out of town to hang out with us. Driving 400 miles for a birthday party is love, right!


I have lots of pictures to post so hang on for the ride. I hope I didn't over do it - LOL


**Oh yes, for all of you who were so kind to compliment Bryar's birthday outfit(s)(Yes, there was another), I wanted to say thank you. I also want to thank my friend Kris, owner of SWAKembroidery.com for all of the clever and unique embroidery designs that she has available on her site. Not only is she a great friend, but an awesome mommy, wife and community leader. She is a talented lady and she has a heart for helping others. Stop by her site sometime, it's AWESOME!

What's for lunch?

Click HERE for great ideas for feeding hungry kids a healthy and fun lunch!